Mark Kennedy

The world according to Mark: Second place is first place loser. Been there done that, got the t-shirt. I'm a lover, a fighter, a ballroom dancer and a friend of the ladies. It's easy to make a buck, but it's tougher to make a difference. Life is tough and if you're stupid, it's harder. Birds of a feather flock together, so do you want to soar with the eagles or peck with the prairie chickens? Mark was born on March 31, 1959, during a blizzard in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Frances Isabelle Mackley Kennedy and Thomas Elsworth Kennedy. The world was never the same again. He was the oldest of seven siblings. He went to Baseline Elementary, Shiloh Elementary, Will James Middle School, and graduated from West High School in 1977. Following graduation, he moved to Texas and Florida, igniting a passion for tropical weather than lived with him the rest of his life. He loved his home in Sayulita, Mexico. As a senior, he was a member of the first construction class at Billings Career Center, and began his long vocation in residential, commercial and property development. He had an incredible talent for turning a buck and creating the deal. He could've taught Donald Trump a lesson! He formed Mark Kennedy Construction in the early '80s. In 1986, he married classmate Teresa Osman Kennedy. Daughter Rebekah was born in 1987, followed by son Benjamin in 1990. In 1990, Kenmark Construction Corp. was born. He loved doing the Parade of Homes! He was a past president of the Billings Home Builders Association. He was also the recipient of a Green Spike award for bringing so many more builders into the industry. Due to his intense perfectionistic nature, he led Kenmark on to become one of the top building companies in Billings. He received awards for Montana State Builder of the Year (1998), Builder of the Year for the Billings Homebuilder's Association (1998) and awards for Best Master Bedroom, Best Kitchen, People's Choice, and Best Interior Decorating. He was involved with the Playhouse Parade and Habitat for Humanity. He was very competitive, and loved cribbage, fishing, golfing, old Western movies, Tony Soprano and, in later years, he enjoyed creating art. He enjoyed fishing at the Sportsman's Club in British Columbia, and in marlin tournaments in Mexico. He applauded and celebrated the success of others. He valued the trip of achievement and success. For many years, he attended weekly bible studies with his brothers. While not a religious man, he was a man of faith and conviction. He is survived by his daughter, Rebekah (Jason) Eddy of Denver; son Benjamin Kennedy of Denver; brothers Matt (Cindy), John (Kim), Dan (Denise), Chris (Johanna); sisters Marie (Tom), Margaret (Charlie) Lees; 21 nieces and nephews; Christian Barry; good friend Teresa Osman Kennedy (Bill Baldi); and a large extended family. He was thrilled to know he was going to be a grandpa for the first time this March. He is also survived by many dear friends worldwide. He was a friend of Bill W's for many years, but was currently estranged. Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Please join us in a celebration of his life following the service at Eagle's Club in the Heights. Memorials to the Billings Career Center Construction program.